Ifidel Williams leaves ‘a legacy of artistic brilliance’

The performing arts community is shattered by the news of the passing of Ifidel Williams, a singer, actor, performer, teacher, social worker and behaviour change intervention specialist, and team leader of performing arts group Ashe’s AOK Production. Williams died on Sunday.

Michael Holgate, artistic director of Ashe, told The Gleaner that as a valued member of the company “Ifidel’s life was a testament to passion, dedication, and artistic excellence”.

“Ifidel wore many hats ... bringing his unique energy and talent to every role. His impact as a performance coach and background vocalist for Digicel Rising Stars was a mainstay on the show and helped shape the careers of many aspiring artistes. Ifidel’s vocal talents were widely recognised, leading him to work as a supporting vocalist for Tessanne Chin, where he also served as the creative coordinator for her Voicebox group. He also lent his voice as a background vocalist for the renowned Diana King, touring with her all around the world. His exploits as a musical creative is impressive,” Holgate said in his tribute.

Sharing some insight into Williams’ background, Holgate noted that as a youngster, he was involved in Cathi Levy’s Little People and Teen Players Club, “where he not only honed his skills, but also took on leadership roles, eventually becoming the president of the club”.

“His commitment to excellence in the arts was obvious from then and became a hallmark of his career,” Holgate said of the proud past student of Jamaica College.

He hailed Williams for leaving behind a legacy of artistic brilliance and a community deeply enriched by his contributions.

“Ifidel’s legacy in the Jamaican entertainment industry will be remembered for his dedication, mentorship, and the joy he brought to audiences and colleagues alike. He will be sorely missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Holgate told The Gleaner.

Devastated and heartbroken”

Tessanne Chin, who knew Williams for 11 years, poured her heart into a tribute on social media, admitting that she was “in total shock, completely devastated and heartbroken” and asked how she could say goodbye “to someone who still had so much left to be, to become and to bestow”.

“I didn’t see this coming, I never anticipated how quickly everything changed, and I know I mustn’t question, but this one is hard. You have been by my side in the glory days and the grey ones too,” Chin said.

Chin shared that Williams was front and centre with her when she started Voicebox, noting that “our kids are gonna miss you ... gosh, we were so lucky to have you for the time we did, so blessed”.

She recalled a promise: “I told you that there will always be a seat for you at my table, and now that seat will remain until we meet again my dearest friend, when we can laugh and sing, dance and dream once more.”

Her sister Tami Chin Mitchell, in response, stated, “This one is too hard to deal with. Too big to accept. Our sweet Ifi, who was always ready to cheer us on, laugh out loud and ever ready to lift us up on his shoulders. We will never NOT miss you my brother.”

Shy Guy singer Diana King, shared a video from a concert with Williams performing as one of her backing vocalists, which she captioned ‘Fly free Ifilous. Gratitude.”

“I called you Ifilous because your personality was so bright ... so huge. Gratitude for sharing space with me. This show was memorable. U were cracking up onstage and after the show because I totally [messed] up the ‘Wheel’ and I, with confidence, thanked the wrong city. Almost everyone [messed] up that night. It was the first time we did that version of Shy Guy ... and it was well received. Then later u said, re my most favourite red scarf (seen hanging around my neck and on the mic stand) ‘Gimme dah scarf deh nuh, mi love it.’ And I gave it to you. U probably thought I was still mad at u, re the last time we saw each other in person. TBH I was ... for a little bit. But I let it go. I understood. I was hoping to see you again one day ... I know we all die, but man! U will be missed. Nuffluv Ifilous,” King wrote.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com